What is the highest a WR has ever been drafted? Ranking the Top 5 wide receiver prospects ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft

The highest a wide receiver has gone in the NFL Draft is No. 1 overall, and this has happened three times since the inception of the NFL.

Typically, NFL teams have spent the majority of their No. 1 overall picks on three positions: quarterback, offensive tackle and defensive end. However, three players flew the flags of wide receivers and gave the position some much-needed visibility.

The three wide receivers that went No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft were Dave Parks (San Francisco 49ers, 1964), Irving Fryar (New England Patriots, 1984) and Keyshawn Johnson (New York Jets, 1996).

All of the above players earned multiple Pro Bowl selections and put up incredible stats during their tenures in the league. None of the wide receivers drafted first overall was a bust. We cannot say the same about certain other positions on the Gridiron.

The Top 5 wide receiver prospects ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft

Here are the top five wide receivers to look out for ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft. We will be going from number five to one.

5. Jalin Hyatt, Tennessee

Jalin Hyatt is as fast as they come, and he regularly made defensive backs look silly during his college career. Hyatt was electric in Tennessee's pass-first offense and could be a solid receiver for an NFL team with a similar offensive game plan.

He is a track star, straight-liner, DeSean Jackson-like, and a Will Fuller-ish type of receiver. The National Football League loves that kind of player; just look at Jaylen Waddle on the Miami Dolphins.

2023 NFL Draft Projection: Mid Second-Round Pick

4. Michael Wilson, Stanford

There's nothing that Michael Wilson can't do at a high level, and he showed his talents consistently at Stanford University. Don't be fooled by his 4.58 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine; he plays way faster than that.

Michael Wilson is a wideout that is comfortable on the inside or outside because he's got the pure size, strength and speed to beat you out but has the route running. It looks like he has the smarts to be that slot guy that catches your eye as well.

2023 NFL Draft Projection: Early Second-Round Pick

3. Quentin Johnston, TCU

Johnston's most accurate pro comp is Tee Higgins, and there is an apparent reason why that's the case. Quentin Johnston can catch the 6-yard shallow cross and run 80 yards for a touchdown. His ability to jump is a 40.5 inch vertical – plus he's 6-foot-3 and his arms look ridiculously long. Johnston was TCU's undisputed key wide receiver, so he can handle pressure. Johnston is quite the specimen at wideout and should seamlessly transition to the professional level.

2023 NFL Draft Projection: Top 30 Pick

2. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State

For a fast wideout to catch Bill Belichick's attention, you know that the player is something special. Most mock NFL Drafts have the New England Patriots selecting Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the first round. He has the uncanny ability to come off the ball, go 70%, and almost jump in the air at the 6-yard mark. It's a skill that most players his age hardly ever pull off.

Smith-Njigba did so consistently with the Ohio State Buckeyes. His change of direction is also top-notch, and his ceiling as a route runner is sky-high.

2023 NFL Draft Projection: Top 15 Pick

1 Zay Flowers, Boston College

Zay Flowers is the most versatile wide receiver in the 2023 NFL Draft class and has a penchant for the spectacular. Flowers can play inside or outside, and he doesn't get tired. He is a superb route runner with an explosive athletic playing style. In Zay Flowers, an NFL franchise will be getting a three-in-one wideout that can act as a speed burner on the outside, a speed burner on the inside and a slot receiver inside. Simply put, Flowers is that guy.

2023 NFL Draft Projection: Top 10 Pick

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